Automotive seats with safety harnesses

ABSTRACT

A seat provided with a safety harness, notably for automotive vehicles and of the type comprising a squab, a back provided with at least one anchor point for the shoulder-belt of said safety harness, said anchor point being located on the rear face of said back, an abdominal belt connected to said shoulder-belt, at least one kinetic energy absorption device interposed between said squab and a seat element adapted, in case of crash, to move in relation to said squab, said device being adapted, during this relative movement, to absorb one fraction of the kinetic energy and wherein the anchor point located on said back is connected through said shoulder-belt to the abdominal belt of the safety harness, characterized in that at least one end of said abdominal belt is connected to the seat element movable in relation to the squab during a crash and that said seat element is mechanically connected to said squab in a manner known per se.

iliiited tates Fatent [191 [111 3334552 1 May 22,1973

Fourrey [54] AUTOMOTIVE SEATS WITH SAFETY HARNESSES [75] Inventor:Francois Fourrey, Billancourt,

France [73] Assignees: Regie Nationale des Usines Renault, Billancourt;Automobiles Peugeot, Paris, France [22] Filed: June 28, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 157,462

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 11, 1970 France 7029492 [52]U.S. Cl. ..297/216, 297/385, 297/386, 297/389 [51] Int. Cl. ..A62b 35/60[58] Field of Search ..297/216, 386, 389, 297/385, 378; 280/150 SB;188/1 C [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,582,133 6/1971DeLavenne ..297/216 3,309,137 3/1967 Wiebe ..297/302 3,186,760 6/1965Lohr et a1 ..297/216 2,795,266 6/1957 Walther ..297/216 3,603,638 9/1971McGregor ..297/216 Primary Examiner.lames T. McCall Att0rney-Stevens eta1.

[57] ABSTRACT A seat provided with a safety harness, notably forautomotive vehicles and of the type comprising a squab, a back providedwith at least one anchor point for the shoulder-belt of said safetyharness, said anchor point being located on the rear face of said back,an abdominal belt connected to said shoulder-belt, at least one kineticenergy absorption device interposed between said squab and a seatelement adapted, in case of crash, to move in relation to said squab,said device being adapted, during this relative movement, to absorb onefraction of the kinetic energy and wherein the anchor point located onsaid back is connected through said shoulder-belt to the abdominal beltof the safety harness, characterized in that at least one end of saidabdominal belt is connected to the seat element movable in relation tothe squab during a crash and that said seat element is mechanicallyconnected to said squab in a manner known per se.

8 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTE MAY 22 I973 SHEET 1 [IF 5 PATENIEM22 1915 SHEET 3 OF 5 PATENTEB HAY 2 2 I975 SHEET b [1F 5 AUTOMOTIVESEATS WITH SAFETY HARNESSES The present invention relates to seatsequipped with a safety harness, notably for automotive vehicles and,more particularly, to seats of the type wherein the safety harnesscomprising at least one shoulder-belt or strap and an abdominal belt orwaist-belt is constantly attached to the seat or to a member rigidlyconnected thereto.

This invention is concerned more particularly with a seat of the typeset forth hereinabove wherein the anchor points of the safety harnessare located on the seat structure behind the main axis of the passengersbody.

A close analysis of the body movements during a crash proved that thepassengers body was not sufficiently retained on his seat. In mostinstances these movements attain abnormal amplitude values during acrash, and circumstances may arise wherein the belt, failing fromproperly bearing against the os pubis, is shifted along the body so thatthe passenger may eventually slip under the belt. Thus, as a consequenceof such accidental movements of the passenger under the abdominal belt,serious internal injuries were observed in many cases, due to anabnormal compression of the abdomen.

On the other hand it is known that in certain arrangements intended forretaining the passenger on his seat by means of a safety harness securedto the seat proper, some complementary means must be provided forabsorbing kinetic energy during a shock or crash.

In view of the foregoing, it is a first object of this invention toprovide between the seat and a safety harness an arrangement designedfor properly retaining and holding the passenger in the positionwarranting his safety in case of crash; in this position the stressesare properly exerted on the passengers body and minimized due to the useof a kinetic energy absorption device. A

Vehicle seats equipped with a safety harness and with means forabsorbing kinetic energy, in the form of shock absorbers or the like,are already known in the art. As a rule, these devices are ratherelaborate and therefore expensive, and in most instances inadequate forholding the passengerbody in the desired position in case of crash.

Consequently, it is another object of this invention to provide meansfor limiting the forward movements of the users truck in case of crash,and to obtain a correct position of the abdominal belt so that it willconstantly engage the bony portions of the users abdomen.

A further object of the present invention consists in providing meansfor avoiding relative movements of the seat user in relation to theabdominal belt and to obtain an automatic and guided forward inclinationof the passengertrunk in case of crash. A very important consequence ofthis procedure is that the frequently lethal backward movement of thepassengers head is safely prevented, since the passengers body remainsinclined forwards'after a shock or crash.

To this end, the seat equipped with a safety harness according to thisinvention, which comprises a base structure, a back provided with atleast one anchor point for said safety harness, at least one kineticenergy absorption device is interposed between said base structure and aseat element adapted, in case of crash, to move in relation to said basestructure so that said device will absorb one fraction of the releasedkinetic energy, is characterized in that the anchor point on said backis rigid with a belt of the safety harness of which at least one end isconnected to said seat element, said seat element being on the otherhand mechanically connected to the base structure.

Typical forms of embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed more in detail by way of illustration with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tilting-back seat equipped with asafety harness according to this invention, which comprises an abdominalbelt attached to the slide-bars of the seat structure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the seat of FIG. 1, with apassenger in a normal driving position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the position assumed bythe seat and passenger, respectively, during a shock or crash;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are views similar to FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively,showing a different structure wherein the safety harness is secured tothe adjustable or tilting back of a seat;

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are views similar to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the case of adifferent structure comprising a safety harness secured to the tiltingor adjustable back of a seat;

FIG. 10 is a modified form of embodiment of the sea illustrated in FIG.7;

FIG. 11 shows on a larger scale a detail A of the structure of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a kinetic energy absorption device of atype known per se, incorporated in the safety seat structure accordingto this invention, and

FIG. 13 is a side view showing the device of FIG. 10 after a shockhaving caused its elongation.

Referring firstly to the form of embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2and 3 of the drawings, the present invention is shown therein as appliedto an adjustable or tilting seat equipped with a safety harnesscomprising an abdominal belt 6 and a pair of kinetic energy absorptiondevices 4. The seat proper comprises a back 1 rigidly connected to abase structure or squab 2 adapted to pivot about a transverse pin or rod8, that is rigid with slide-bars 5 which are movable along suitableguide members (not shown) and connecting the seat to the floor of thepassengers compartment. The safety harness comprises a pair ofshoulder-belts or straps 6 attached on the one hand to the back 1 at twoanchor points 3, positioned at the rear of the axis of thepassengerbody, and 6n the other hand to the middle of the abdominal belt6 having its two ends attached to a pair of anchor plates or straps 9each rigidly connected to one of the slide-bars 5, at two pointsdisposed substantially at the rear of said back 1. Each energyabsorption device 4 has two anchor points located on the base structure2 and on the corresponding slide-bar 5, respectively. This device 4 mayadvantageously be of the type disclosed in the French Pat. No.1,568,202.

In this form of embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 thekinetic energy absorption device 4 (or 14, or 24 in the following formsof embodiment of the harness structure of this invention) comprises apair of square or circular metal plates 31 provided at their outerperiphery with four anchoring lugs 33 and, in their center, with anorifice through which a fastening stud or bolt 38 is inserted.

A plurality of concentric arcuate slots 35 are formed through each plate31 and centered to the plate axis. These slots are grouped in the formof concentric series of four slots each. Considering the fact that theseseries are disposed sequentially in the direction from the center to theouter periphery of each plate, the slots 35 of each series are shorterand shifted angularly in relation to those of the next series. By virtueof this shifted arrangement, each plate 31 comprises distortion bridges36 extending between the slots of one series.

Of course, the metal and thickness of plates 31, the number of slots 35per series, the length and width of these slots, as well as the numberand relative spacing of the series of slots are selected as a functionof the magnitude of the kinetic energy which it is desired to absorb bymeans of this device.

The plates 31 are secured to each other by means of peripheral bolts 37and the complete device is secured by means of studs or bolts 38 to thebase structure 2 and the corresponding slide-bar 5 of the seat,respectively. When efforts tending to modify the relative position ofthese two elements are applied to this device, notably in case of shockreceived by the vehicle, the plates 31 will be stressed as shown in FIG.13, and their distortion will absorb a substantial fraction of thekinetic energy released during this shock. Of course, the kinetic energyabsorption device illustrated may be replaced by any other suitable,equivalent means.

Under normal driving conditions the position of the passenger of thevehicle equipped with a seat according to this invention is that shownin FIG. 2. In case of front shock or crash causing a sudden stoppage ordeceleration of the vehicle, the passenger is thrown forward and theseat pivots about the transverse axis 8 as shown in FIG. 3. However, thepassenger is protected, during the forward movement of his trunk, by theautomatic tensioning of the abdominal belt 6 engaging the bony portionsof his abdomen and converting the horizontal movement thereof into anupward movement, the seat tilting movement being strongly and graduallyretarded by the operation of the kinetic energy absorption device 4during the relative movement of base structure 2 and slide-bars 5.

It will be noted that the automatic and guided forward inclination ofthe passengers trunk and also the use of an energy absorption devicepreventing the seat from resuming its inoperative position reduceconsiderably the backward movement of the passengers head. Finally, theuse of two energy absorption devices disposed on either sideof themedian plane of the seat preserves the transverse stability of thepassenger in case of crash.

According to the second form of embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6,this invention is applied to a fixed seat having an adjustable back, thesafety harness being secured to the back in such a manner that theabdominal belt 16 is duly tensioned. In these figures the differentelements are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to3, increased by lit); thus, reference numeral designates the seatelement adapted to move in relation to the squab 12 and consisting, inthis case, of the lower end of the seat back which is pivoted to thesquab 12 about an axis 18 disposed above the anchor point 19 of the end17 of abdominal belt 16. The anchor points of each kinetic energyabsorption device 14 lie on a transverse rod rigid with the rear portionof the seat squab and on the lower end 15 of the seat back 11. In caseof shock, the forward inclination of the passengers trunk causes theback to pivot about the rod 18 and therefore the automatic tensioning ofthe abdominal belt 16 and the operation of the kinetic energy absorptiondevices, due to the relative movement thus produced between the squaband the lower portion of the back 11.

In a third form of embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, thisinvention is applied to an adjustable-back, movable seat having itssafety harness secured to the back so as to tension the abdominal belt26 by using therefor a slight forward movement of the lower portion ofthe passengers trunk. It will also be noted that the various elements ofthe structure illustrated are designated by the same reference numeralsas in FIGS. 1 to 3, plug 20 units, and that the anchor points of thekinetic energy absorption devices 24 are disposed on the front portionof the base structure 22 and slide-bars 25, i.e. nearer to thepassengers feet.

As already described in the foregoing, in case of front shock or crash,the forward inclination of the passengers trunk (FIG. 9), due to therelative movement produced between the squab and back of the seat, asthe latter pivots in relation to the former about the axis 28, isattended by the operation of the kinetic energy ab sorption devices 24and also by the automatic tensioning of the abdominal belt 26 as aconsequence of the slight forward movement of the pelvis.

In the modified form of embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.10 and 11 the kinetic energy absorption device 24 is replaced by theextensible diagonal strip 44 (consisting for example of corrugated sheetmetal elements) incorporated in a quadrilateral wherein the sidesconsist of the lateral rear portion 45' of the squab frame, the lowerlateral portion 41 of the back, the slide-bar 45 and the front leg ofthe squab structure.

According to a specific feature characterizing this seat the pivot pin49 provided for hingedly mounting the back to the slide-bar iscoincident with at least one anchor point of the abdominal belt 46 andan anchor point of the kinetic energy absorption device 44.

It will be seen that this pivot pin may advantageously consist of therelease or unlocking pin 50 adapted to permit the longitudinal movementof the seat in relation to the anchor plate 51 rigid with the floor orbody structure 52 of the vehicle.

Thus, an upward movement of the squab assisting in Of course, thisinvention should not be construed as being strictly limited by thespecific forms of embodiment shown and illustrated herein, which aregiven by way of example only. More particularly, this inventioncomprises all means constituting technical equivalents of thosedescribed and illustrated and also their combinations contemplatedwithout the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A seat, having a safety harness including a shoulder belt, for useprimarily in automotive vehicles, comprising a back, having at least oneanchor point for the shoulder belt, said anchor point being located onthe which one end of the abdominal belt is connected comprises aslide-bar through which the seat is adjustably connected to the floorstructure of the vehicle.

3. A seat according to claim 1 wherein the holder to which one end ofthe abdominal belt is connected is positioned near the lower end of theback, said back being pivoted to said squab about an axis located abovethe point where the holder is positioned.

4. A seat according to claim 2 wherein said kinetic energy absorptionmeans has two connection points located respectively, near frontportions of said squab and said slide-bar.

5. A seat according to claim 3, wherein said kinetic energy absorptionmeans is connected near the rear portion of the squab and near the lowerportion of the back, respectively, said back being hingedly connected tosaid squab about said axis.

6. A seat according to claim 2 wherein the kinetic energy absorptionmeans comprises an extensible diagonal strip of a quadrilateral whereinthe sides comprise the rear lateral portion of the squab, the lowerlateral portion of the back, which lies below the squab plane, theslide-bar and the front leg of said squab.

7. A seat according to claim 6, wherein a pivot axis of said back onsaid slide-bar is coincident with at least one connection point of saidabdominal belt and with a connection point of the kinetic energy aabsorption means.

8. A seat according to claim 7, wherein said pivot axis of said back onsaid slide-bar comprises a seat unlocking pin engaging a fitting rigidwith the chassis of the vehicle.

1. A seat, having a safety harness including a shoulder belt, for useprimarily in automotive vehicles, comprising a back, having at least oneanchor point for the shoulder belt, said anchor point being located onthe rear of said back; an abdominal belt, connected to saidshoulder-belt, wherein the anchor point located on said back isconnected through said shoulder-belt to the abdominal belt; a holder forthe abdominal belt, having at least one end of the abdominal beltconnected thereto; a squab which is movable in relation to said holder;and kinetic energy absorption means, connected between said squab andsaid holder, for absorbing a fraction of the kinetic energy Whenrelative movement between the squab and the holder occurs.
 2. A seataccording to claim 1 wherein the holder to which one end of theabdominal belt is connected comprises a slide-bar through which the seatis adjustably connected to the floor structure of the vehicle.
 3. A seataccording to claim 1 wherein the holder to which one end of theabdominal belt is connected is positioned near the lower end of theback, said back being pivoted to said squab about an axis located abovethe point where the holder is positioned.
 4. A seat according to claim 2wherein said kinetic energy absorption means has two connection pointslocated respectively, near front portions of said squab and saidslide-bar.
 5. A seat according to claim 3, wherein said kinetic energyabsorption means is connected near the rear portion of the squab andnear the lower portion of the back, respectively, said back beinghingedly connected to said squab about said axis.
 6. A seat according toclaim 2 wherein the kinetic energy absorption means comprises anextensible diagonal strip of a quadrilateral wherein the sides comprisethe rear lateral portion of the squab, the lower lateral portion of theback, which lies below the squab plane, the slide-bar and the front legof said squab.
 7. A seat according to claim 6, wherein a pivot axis ofsaid back on said slide-bar is coincident with at least one connectionpoint of said abdominal belt and with a connection point of the kineticenergy a absorption means.
 8. A seat according to claim 7, wherein saidpivot axis of said back on said slide-bar comprises a seat unlocking pinengaging a fitting rigid with the chassis of the vehicle.